Royal Ascot: A Day at The Races!

What can conjure up images of My Fair Lady better than Opening Day at Royal Ascot? Just seeing all the ladies in their fabulous hats calls to mind the lovely Audrey Hepburn decked out in the iconic Cecil Beaton black and white ensemble shouting out, “Come on, Dover! Come on, Dover! Move your bloomin’ arse!”

Not likely we’ll hear that sort of outburst at Royal Ascot 2014…at least not in the Royal Enclosure or anywhere near Her Majesty The Queen who attends Royal Ascot each year.

Royal Ascot begins June 17th

Royal Ascot June 17th – 21st Cover girl Pippa Middleton looking the height of Ascot fashion!

Few sporting venues can match the rich heritage and history of Ascot Racecourse.  Over the past 300 years, Ascot has established itself as a national institution; with Royal Ascot becoming the centerpiece of the British social calendar and the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world…as well as the the ultimate Royal-watcher’s sightseeing event!

Queen Elizabeth II, center, with Prince Philip, right, Prince Andrew, second right and Prince Harry, arrive by carriage, on the first day of the Royal Ascot. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Queen Elizabeth II, center, with Prince Philip, right, Prince Andrew, second right and Prince Harry, arrive by carriage, on the first day of the Royal Ascot. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Dapper Prince Harry attends his first Royal Ascot

Dapper Prince Harry attends his first Royal Ascot

Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall arrives in their carriage.

Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall arrives in their carriage.

An impressive sight indeed! Imagine being in the crowd as the royal party are driven down the racecourse! Crowds of cheering, gaily dressed racegoers on day one at Royal Ascot!

The crowds get a royal treat as the Royal Family passes by.

The crowds get a royal treat as the Royal Family passes by.

The Queen has two horses competing this year. Estimate, the 2013 Gold Cup winner, will be returning for a much hoped for repeat…and Musical Comedy competed in the Jersey Stakes on Day 2.

The Queen hopes to repeat last year's Gold Cup win!

The Queen hopes to repeat last year’s Gold Cup win!

Besides the horse racing, I love to ‘people watch’ and catch glimpses of the most amazing and outlandish hats that ever graced a racing event. Here are just a few from Day 1:

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Periwinkle blue feathers grace the head of this race-goer.

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An explosion of fiery reds and orange/gold hues.

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The most fun part of Royal Ascot…the fabulous hats!

Which are YOUR favorites? Keep an eye out on this blog for more updates from Royal Ascot 2014!
Lady Anglophile…off to the Royal Enclosure with Pimms in hand!

 

 

 

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Paddington Loses His Voice as Colin Firth Ankles Film

Say it isn’t so!! It has just been announced that Colin Firth, the very one I was joking about not being able to ‘hear’ as the lovable Paddington Bear, is leaving the film and taking his voice with him! I KNEW there was a reason why we weren’t hearing the bear’s voice in any of the released trailers.

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Paddington cleans his ears out because he can’t believe what he’s hearing….Colin Firth is out!

In a statement released to Entertainment Weekly, my favorite Academy Award winning actor said, “After a period of denial, we’ve chosen ‘conscious uncoupling’.”  Firth went on to say that the decision to leave Paddington was a mutual one. “It’s been bittersweet to see this delightful creature take shape and come to the sad realization that he simply doesn’t have my voice,” Firth said. “I’ve had the joy of seeing most of the film and it’s going to be quite wonderful. I still feel rather protective of this bear and I’m pestering them all with suggestions for finding a voice worthy of him.”

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Who do YOU think should voice Paddington?

Despite the trailer having already hit the internet…(not to mention MUCH begging to The Weinstein Company by The Anglophile Channel to cover the film’s red carpet premiere)..and a majority of the film already in the can, director Paul King said the split was amicable adding in a released statement, “I cannot thank [Firth] enough for his contribution to Paddington. We love the voice and we love the bear, but as our young bear came into being we agreed that the two didn’t seem to fit. So, with somewhat heavy hearts we decided to part ways.”

Well that is disappointing indeed as this Anglophile was most certainly looking forward to hearing Mr. Firth as the cuddly bear from darkest Peru. Entertainment Weekly stated that its rare that an actor leave a project this late in production but not uncommon for voice talent to ankle a project.  I loved the trailer SO much that I’m sure I’m going to love Paddington no matter who replaces Colin….but please…make it a Brit 😉  Watch the trailer and tell me if you agree:

No replacement has been announced as of yet but the film’s release date remains November 28th for the UK and Christmas Day for the US.

Who do you think should replace Colin as the voice of Paddington Bear?

Lady Anglophile

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Trooping The Colour: The Queen’s Official Birthday Celebration

It’s one of the reasons we love Britain so much…because of her beautifully orchestrated ceremonies full of pomp and circumstance. Today Britain shall celebrate The Queen’s “Official” Birthday with the Trooping the Colour ceremony.

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Celebrating Her Majesty’s Birthday with Trooping the Colour

Although The Queen was born on 21 April, it has long been the tradition to celebrate the Sovereign’s birthday publicly on a day in the summer, when good weather is more likely. Trooping the Colour marks The Queen’s official birthday and takes place on Horse Guards Parade by St. James’s Park, and also coincides with the publication of Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours List.

The Trooping the Colour is a ceremony performed by regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies and carried out by fully trained and operational troops from the Household Division (Foot Guards and Household Cavalry). The ceremony is watched by members of the Royal Family as well as invited guests and members of the public.

During the ceremony, The Queen is greeted by a Royal salute and carries out an inspection of the troops. After the massed bands have performed a musical ‘troop’, the escorted Regimental Colour is carried down the ranks. The Foot Guards and the Household Cavalry then march past Her Majesty, and The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, rank past.

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Her Majesty inspects the troops.

The Queen rides in a carriage back to Buckingham Palace at the head of her Guards, before taking the salute at the Palace from a dais. The troops then return to barracks.

Her Majesty then joins other members of the Royal Family on the palace balcony for a fly-past by the Royal Air Force.

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Royal Air Force performs a flypast

Rumor has it, Prince George might make his FIRST Trooping appearance at today’s ceremony! Remember, Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge was expecting at last year’s Trooping ceremony.

Last year an expectant Duchess of Cambridge attends Trooping the Colour

Last year an expectant Duchess of Cambridge attends Trooping the Colour

The Queen has attended Trooping the Colour every year of her reign, except in 1955 when a national rail strike cancelled the event.

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Trooping the Colour poster circa 1956

We will continue to add pictures to this blog post as they become available today. So check back!

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Photos from Trooping the Colour 2014

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh wave to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Trooping the Colour parade, 14 June 2014.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh wave to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Trooping the Colour parade, 14 June 2014.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh wave to the crowds from the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Trooping the Colour parade, 14 June 2014.

The Prince of Wales and The Duke of Cambridge ride their horses as they escort The Queen down The Mall to attend the Trooping the Colour parade, 14 June 2014

Prince Charles and Prince William. Trooping the Colour 2014

Prince Charles and Prince William. Trooping the Colour 2014

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, arrived at Horse Guards Parade in an Ascot Landau carriage. It left Buckingham Palace for the drive along The Mall.

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, arrived at Horse Guards Parade in an Ascot Landau carriage. It left Buckingham Palace for the drive along The Mall

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, arrived at Horse Guards Parade in an Ascot Landau carriage. It left Buckingham Palace for the drive along The Mall

The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and the Princess Royal saluted as they left Buckingham Palace on horseback to attend the ceremony.

A royal salute!

A royal salute!

The Duke of Edingburgh Salutes the Troops. Trooping the Colour 2014

The Duke of Edingburgh Salutes the Troops. Trooping the Colour 2014

The Royal Family appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the annual Trooping the Colour parade which officially marks The Queen’s birthday, 14 June 2014.

The Royal Family watches the flypast at this year's Trooping the Colour

The Royal Family watches the flypast at this year’s Trooping the Colour

Left to right: The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Princess Eugenie, Princess Anne, The Queen, Timothy Lawrence, The Countess of Wessex, Prince Philip, Prince Edward and Prince Harry

Left to right: The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Princess Eugenie, Princess Anne, The Queen, Timothy Lawrence,
The Countess of Wessex, Prince Philip, Prince Edward and Prince Harry

Royal Air Force Red Arrows fly past Buckingham Palace during the Trooping The Colour parade to officially mark The Queen’s birthday, 14 June 2014.

Red Arrows flypast.

Red Arrows flypast Trooping the Colour 2014

Alas, Prince George did not make an appearance today as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they felt he was still a bit too young. Perhaps next year? Here Catherine talks to young Estella Taylor, daughter to the Queen’s first cousin once removed Lady Helen Taylor.

The Duchess of Cambridge and young Estella Taylor

The Duchess of Cambridge and young Estella Taylor

Lady Anglophile

(Source: http://www.royal.gov.uk/)

 

 

 

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From Loki to Lovesick Blues: Tom Hiddleston to Play Country Music Legend Hank Williams in ‘I Saw The Light’

Say heygood lookin‘ – what ya got cookin‘? How’s about cooking somethin’ up with me? Tom Hiddleston in a cowboy hat singing country music? Well call me a Hush Puppy and sign-me up!

Everyone’s favorite Marvel baddie is not only going to portray Country Music Legend, Hank Williams in the independent biopic “I Saw The Light”…but he’s going to sing Hank’s songs as well. Ohhh my…I’m going to pre-order the soundtrack now!

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I can already see the album cover!

I Saw the Light“, to be directed by Marc Abraham from a script he wrote, is a story befitting a country music song in itself….following William’s meteoric rise to fame in the country music industry only to die at the age of 29 due to heart failure brought on by alcoholism and addiction to prescription pills. This is a role Hiddleston can really sink his teeth into!

Country music legend, Hank Williams

Country music legend, Hank Williams

But can he sing, you ask? Apparently you didn’t see him stretching his vocal cords as the singing Captain Hook in Disney’s The Pirate Fairy

But how, you might wonder, are they going to take a quintessential English gentleman and turn him into a good ‘ol southern boy? I have NO idea…but I can’t wait to see the transformation! I could kiss RatPac Entertainment and Bron Studios, for making this film happen…and for giving the lead role to Hiddleston!

This could very well be Hiddleston’s Coal Miner’s Daughter…earning him a potential Oscar in the same way it happened for Sissy Spacek when she portrayed another country music legend, Loretta Lynn.

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Hey, Good Lookin’!

Hiddleston’s hat fittings and filming shall begin in Louisiana in October…when I’m prettty sure I’ll be in need of a trip to Cafe du Monde for some beignets…and a set visit 😉

The Grand Ol Opry has NO idea what’s in store for them!

Lady Anglophile….shopping for my cowboy hat and boots for the red carpet premiere!

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Rik Mayall’s World Cup Anthem Aiming For Top Spot

With the World Cup 2014 upon us England still does not have an “official” anthem after Football Association dropped their support for the Gary Barlow and Michael Owen version of Greatest Day by Take That.  An online campaign has been underway to make late comedian Rik Mayall‘s forgotten Shakespeare-inspired song, “Noble England” Number 1 on the UK charts and to make it the official anthem for Team England.

Team England needs an anthem and "Noble England" is a perfect fit!

Team England needs an anthem and “Noble England” is a perfect fit!

British DJ John Morter is behind the campaign to propel Mayall’s single to the top spot even creating a Facebook page specifically for fan support of  the Drop Dead Fred star who died earlier this week at aged 56.

Mayall cleverly uses re-worked lines from Shakespeare’s Henry V, dressed in period costume chanting ‘come on you England, you noble Englishmen’.  

When it was recorded, the comedian said: “Football chants are one of the great traditions of following football and Shakespeare is also part of our national heritage. It seemed only natural that they should go together.”

What a perfect posthumous achievement it would be for Noble England to reach No. 1! Stay tuned and Once more unto the pitch dear friends!

Lady Anglophile

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Colin Firth’s Paddington Bear…What Will He Sound Like?

These are the kind of things that keep me up at night:  Will Sherlock Season 4 ever start filming? How many Philip Treacy fascinators does The Duchess of Cambridge  actually own? What kind of Doctor will Peter Capaldi make? But…the main thing that occupies my thoughts these days: What will Colin Firth sound like as Paddington Bear in the film adaptation of Michael Bond’s classic children’s book?

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Paddington Bear looking a bit taller and perhaps more grown up than in previous incarnations.

Nobody loves Colin Firth more than I do…he is, after all, my ‘alternate universe’ husband….and he’s given an Oscar worthy performance in this year’s The Railway Man, but I can’t yet picture (or hear) him as Paddington the bear. I’ve always imagined Paddington as having a more cuddly voice (not that Firth isn’t cuddly) as opposed to the perfect English-gentlemenly (Okay…and sexy) voice possessed by Firth. I’ve never watched any of the animated incarnations of Paddington Bear over the years but the Winnie the Pooh lover in me hears Paddington with a sort of Sterling Holloway-esque voice.

Unfortunately the film’s first trailer puts the “T” in teaser and offers no hint as to what the bear from darkest Peru is going to sound like:

And here is the LATEST trailer, just released by The Weinstein Company, which features Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville and while it still does not reveal Paddington’s voice it does reveal a film that will be enjoyable for the whole family. I can already tell…we are going to LOVE this movie! If the two-minute trailer is laugh out loud funny…imagine how hysterical the whole film is going to be.

My favorite part is Paddington getting stuck at the tube station turn-stile because…that has happened to everyone!

Paddington follows the story of a little bear that stowed away on a ship and finds himself arrived at  Paddington Station in London where he was found by Mr. and Mrs. Brown. He was sitting on a small suitcase near the lost property office wearing nothing but an old bush hat and a label round his neck with the words “Please Look After This Bear. Thank You.”

Unable to resist such a simple request, Mr. and Mrs. Brown took Paddington home to live with them at 32 Windsor Gardens in London, along with their two children, Jonathan and Judy and their housekeeper, Mrs. Bird. And thus begins the adventures of the marmalade loving Peruvian bear!

This adorable newly released photo of the lost little bear shows just enough mischief in those big brown eyes to keep us enticed and just knowing that Colin Firth is behind those squeezable features is enough for me…for now.

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In search of his favourite marmalade sandwich!

The film, directed by Paul King, will also star an Anglophile-lovers dream cast: Sally Hawkins, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Nicole Kidman and the new Doctor Who himself…Peter Capaldi….and is due out Christmas 2014! Thank you Harvey Weinstein and The Weinstein Company for continuing to put our favorite British artists in your films!

(Photos: Studio Canal  Additional source: http://www.paddington.com)

Lady Anglophile

(Paddington Bear in hand and ready for the premiere!)

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Meet The NEW Doctor Who When The TARDIS Comes To A City Near You!

7 cities, 5 continents, 12 days – get ready for Doctor Who: The World Tour!

Hang on to your sonic screwdrivers WhoviansThe TARDIS may becoming to a city near you! And it will be carrying none other than the NEW Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi and his lovely travel companion through time Miss Jenna Coleman!

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The EXCITING announcement made by the BBC:

Following on from last year’s global smash-hit 50th anniversary, BBC Worldwide announce a major global publicity tour to launch the new series of Doctor Who and introduce Peter Capaldi as the new Doctor. Doctor Who: The World Tour will begin in the UK on August 7 and finish in Brazil on August 19.

The trip will see Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi, on-screen companion Jenna Coleman, and the show’s lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat*, visit seven cities across five continents in 12 days, where they will attend fan events and media interviews, publicising Series 8 to a global audience.

The tour marks the largest ever promotional undertaking in Doctor Who’s 50-year history and will kick off in Welsh capital and home of the series’ production, Cardiff, before taking in London (UK), Seoul (South Korea), Sydney (Australia), New York (US), Mexico City (Mexico) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). More details of the itinerary will be available from doctorwho.tv soon, as well as reports from the tour as it happens, which fans everywhere will be able to enjoy across social and digital platforms.

Peter Capaldi has commented on his excitement ahead of the tour: “It’s fantastic that so many people across the world love Doctor Who. After 8 months solid filming deep in the world of monsters, Jenna and I are thrilled to be heading for the Planet of Fans”.

The NEW Doctor Who Peter Capaldi...looking good!

The NEW Doctor Who Peter Capaldi…looking good!

Executive producer and lead writer Steven Moffat adds: “I’ve always thought we’d all be a lot safer if the Doctor conquered the world, instead of the Daleks. Now with Jenna and Peter leading the charge, it looks like it’s going to happen. I’ll be bringing up the rear to handle the exposition scenes, and maybe carry some bags.”

Doctor Who Series 8 is due to premiere in the UK in August. US broadcaster BBC America will transmit on the same day. Doctor Who is distributed by BBC Worldwide to over 200 territories.

*Due to production commitments, Steven Moffat will be unable to attend to the entire tour. The cities he will join the tour for will be announced soon.

Well you don’t need to ask this Anglophile twice! Allons-y!

Find out full info on where they’ll be landing on doctorwho.tv >> http://www.doctorwho.tv/worldtour

Lady Anglophile

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Hugh Jackman Goes Bald for New Movie Role

Another Peter Pan movie? Okay, I’ll bite especially as this one features Hugh Jackman…

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The Queen in France to Commemorate 70th Anniversary of D-Day: Part 2

It was in incredibly moving day on this the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. Day Two of The Queen’s visit to France began in Normandy where she and The Duke of Edinburgh attended events that commemorated an event that changed the course of the Second World War. The Queen and Prince Philip first attend a service to meet Commonwealth veterans at Bayeux Cemetery, where she was joined by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Bayeux was the first French town to be freed from Nazi control.

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Prince Charles, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Queen and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls gaze up at the memorial as they arrive for the ceremony.

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Prince Charles and Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall joined The Queen at Bayeux Cemetery

At the British War Cemetery, The Queen took a moment to bow her head after placing a wreath of flowers at the memorial where thousands of British soldiers are buried.

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The Queen places a wreath of flowers at the memorial

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The Queen bows her head in respect for the fallen

The service was led by the Reverend Patrick Irwin, the Royal British Legion Chaplain to Normandy, who told the congregation: ‘Here in this cemetery we are reminded of the true cost of D-Day whose 70th anniversary we mark today. We pay tribute to the dead and welcome enthusiastically the veterans for whose courage and devotion we are most grateful.

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Services held at British War Ceremony at Bayeux

The Queen met with many D-Day veterans…many making their final pilgrimage to Normandy to remember and pay respects to their fallen comrades. A highly emotional day for all.

The Queen shakes the hand of a veteran who invaded the beachs of Normandy

The Queen shakes the hand of a veteran who invaded the beachs of Normandy

Watch Video clip of  Commemorations at Bayeux Cemetery, including Prince Charles’s Speech here:

At the International Event commemorating the D-Day landings at Sword Beach, The Queen was joined by world leaders such as President Obama. Sword Beach was the entry point for thousands of British troops 70 years ago.

World leaders gather

World leaders gather at Sword Beach

Part of the commemoration events was a re-enactment of the D-Day landings. I can’t even imagine how stirring that was to watch, and for those veterans in attendance…to re-live.

Stirring reenactments in honor of the 70th Anniversary

Stirring reenactments in honor of the 70th Anniversary

D-Day veteran Douglas Turtle, 91, remembers the fallen. So terribly moving.

D-Day veteran Douglas Turtle, 91, remembers the fallen. So terribly moving.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, in the meantime, were at Gold Beach attending commemorative events and later a tea party with British veterans where Catherine was able to listen to many stories told first hand by men who lived through this historic day.

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Looking lovely in a blue coat dress and holding a bouquet of flowers, Catherine The Duchess of Cambridge accompanies Prince William to commemoration ceremonies at Gold Beach.

In a stirring speech Prince William said of the fallen soldiers,  ‘They gave up everything for our freedom. They lie now together in the beautifully kept cemeteries that lie on the coast.’ ‘However, today is also about the young. It is vital for them that they remember the sacrifice made by so many.’

Prince William lays a wreath in honor of the fallen soldiers.

Prince William lays a wreath in honor of the fallen soldiers

Later at a tea party in Arromanches, north west France, Catherine spent her time laughing and chatting with veterans. DDayKate1DDayKate4

Following the busy day of 70th Anniversary commemorations, Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh returned to Paris for a State Banquet at The Elysée Palace.

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Truly regal! God Save The Queen!

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The Queen arrives the Elysee Palace for state banquet and is greeted by the French president

In a toast to The Queen, President Hollande said Her Royal Highness ‘personified the phrase Keep Calm and Carry On’…and of course, on this 2-day trip to Paris, she personified so much more..class, elegance, leadership…and an inspiration to all.

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To the epitome of “Keep Calm and Carry On”! I’ll drink to that!

Watch a video clip of The Queen’s Speech here:

The 70th Anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy is now in the history books, but never far from our hearts or forgotten by those that lived through that terribly tragic but historic day. God Bless all who gave their lives and the vets that survived.

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June 6, 1944. Never Forget!

 

Lady Anglophile

 

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If anyone thinks The Queen is slowing down her workload…think again. No sooner had Her Majesty completed her royal duties by presiding over the State Opening of Parliament, enough to exhaust someone even half her age, than she was off to France for an official state visit to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of D-Day at Normandy.

The Duke of Edinburgh accompanied Her Majesty as they traveled on the Eurostar. Before their departure however,  The Queen and The Duke stopped to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Channel Tunnel at the Eurostar Platform at St Pancras International Station in London by unveiling a commemorative plaque.

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The Queen unveils a commemorative plaque alongside Prince Philip just before she boards the Eurostar to Paris

A young girl on the platform at St. Pancras presents Her Majesty with a bouquet of flowers. The look in this little girl’s eyes is priceless. Memories she’ll carry with her forever, no doubt.

Lucky young girl presents The Queen with a floral bouquet ahead of her journey to Paris.

Lucky young girl presents The Queen with a floral bouquet ahead of her journey to Paris.

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Wearing outfit #1 at the Chunnel 20th Anniversary Ceremony at Eurostar platform, St Pancras station

After the ceremony The Queen and The Duke boarded the Eurostar for the 2 hour 15 minute journey to Paris. But don’t think she had time to relax over a nice hot cuppa..Her Majesty had a wardrobe change! She changed from the lovely cream coat and navy hat she wore at the Eurostar ceremony…to a beautiful lace dress with  sequin-trimmed jacket and matching hat for her arrival in Paris~!

The Queen arrives Paris after a 2hr 15 minute journey, she is escorted through Gare du Nord in Paris to start her official visit

The Queen arrives Paris after a 2hr 15 minute journey on the Eurostar and is escorted through Gare du Nord.

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Outfit#2: Two hours later The Queen arrives Gare du Nord in Paris wearing her second ensemble of the day.

The Queen was then whisked off to The Arc de Triomphe where the streets were lined with well-wishers as soldiers on horseback escorted her Rolls Royce down the Champs-Élysées where she was welcomed by French president François Hollande.

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Soldiers and police officers on motorbikes escort the car carrying The Queen and the French President as it drives down the Champs-Elysees

The streets of the Champs E'lysee were lined with well wishers as The Queen arrives the Arc de Triomphe and is greeted by the French President.

The streets of the Champs E’lysee were lined with well wishers as The Queen arrives the Arc de Triomphe and is greeted by the French President.

When she emerged from her maroon Rolls Royce, The Queen was wearing her third ensemble of the day, this time a smart pink tweed suit and, of course…the perfectly matching hat. I’m not quite sure how or where she is making these wardrobe changes…but I’m impressed by it all!

Outfit #3: The Queen arrives the Arc du Triomphe for ceremony at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Outfit #3: A smart pink tweed suit ensemble with perfectly matching hat.

The Queen and Francois Hollande attended a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe where they paid respects by laying a wreath of flowers.

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At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arc de Triomphe

The Queen and the French President lay a flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Queen and the French President lay a flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

After the wreath laying ceremony, the Queen and President Hollande were introduced to veterans waiting on the Champs-Élysées. What an emotional and poignant moment for all.

The Queen meets with D-Day Veterans

The Queen meets with D-Day Veterans

The Queen next traveled to ElyséePalace, where she and The Duke will stay during their visit, for meetings followed by a garden party at the British Ambassador‘s residence in Paris.

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The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and the French President meet for two hours over Anglo-French relations.

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The Queen, The French President Francois Hollande, the Duke of Edinburgh and French Minister for Foreign Affairs Laurent Fabius, pose outside the Elysee Palace after their meeting.

Day #1 in Paris was wrapped up with a Garden Party celebrating The Queen’s visit hosted by Her Majesty’s Ambassador to France at the British Residence in Paris. The Queen arrived in her fourth ensemble of the day, looking incredibly fresh in a lovely creme coat dress with gold accents. My favorite part of her ensembles, besides her hats, are her brooches.

Her Majesty was escorted onto the lawn to greet guests by Britain’s ambassador to France Sir Peter Ricketts (left) and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Outfit #4: The Garden Party

Outfit #4: The Garden Party at the British Embassy in France

Still smiling, The Queen shakes hands with Sir Bradley Wiggins, winner of the 2012 Tour de France, accompanied by his wife Catherine.

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The Queen greets cycling champ Sir Bradley Wiggens

Four wardrobe changes, three ceremonies, one meeting, a Garden Party and countless handshakes later…the Queen is still smiling! I don’t know how she does it…but next time I’m moaning about being exhausted after ONE activity…I’m going to look at this blog post.

Prince Philip leans in to ask, 'Are we done yet?'

With The Queen still smiling…Prince Philip leans in to seemingly ask, ‘Are we done yet?’

After the reception The Queen returned to the ElyséePalace to rest up for the next day’s activities and the main reason for her visit to France: The 70th Anniversary of D-Day.

God Save The Queen…she is an inspiration, indeed!
Lady Anglophile

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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